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Alaska 2025

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atlaak.org
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program Email:
atla@atlaak.org
Phone:
907-563-2599
TTY:
907-563-0699

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
1111 W. 8th St., Ste 210
City:
Juneau
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99801
Program URL:
http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/at-prog.htm

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program URL:
www.atlaak.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Duder, Kathryn
Title:
Director
Phone:
907-269-3581
E-mail:
kathryn.duder@alaska.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Caputo, Jason
Title:
Project Assistant
Phone:
907-465-6933
E-mail:
jason.caputo@alaska.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Last resort - Activity

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)146
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)157
C. Total Served303

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures303

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 349$60,998
Hearing 153$20,506
Speech communication48$20,220
Learning, cognition, and developmental 54$2,342
Mobility, seating and positioning101$2,527
Daily living 598$23,510
Environmental adaptations67$3,866
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 65$9,643
Recreation, sports, and leisure4$24
Total1439$143,636

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)21
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)19
C. Total Served40

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures40

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 12$7,664
Hearing 36$12,748
Speech communication51$27,863
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total99$48,275



C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

Shaquil was referred to ATLA by the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI). He is legally blind and has bilateral amputations resulting from a severe infection. Although he arrived at ATLA with some assistive technology knowledge, he sought greater independence in the home and had already learned to use his smartphone with VoiceOver through ACBVI. Shaquil openly discussed experiencing depression following the loss of his vision and legs; however, participation in ACBVI services helped him adapt to these changes. Based on this discussion, the AT Specialist qualified him for TechAbility. One of Shaquil’s primary goals was to return to cooking and independently navigate the kitchen. Given his strong technology skills, the AT Specialist recommended a voice-activated display and an additional smart speaker. Shaquil lives in a two-story home without an elevator or stair lift and uses his arms to navigate the stairs. The smart speakers enable communication with family members on different levels of the home, while the voice-activated display in the kitchen supports cooking tasks through its object identification feature. Shaquil expressed enthusiasm about cooking again, communicating more easily with family members, and exploring additional features that support increased independence.

Narrative Picture
Impact Area

Jacob’s mother contacted ATLA regarding a communication device for her son, who has a speech disability. The family sought a way for Jacob to communicate with his out-of-state grandparents independently. They applied for Alaska Relay and were approved for a tablet with a communication app. Within one day of receiving the iPad, Jacob FaceTimed his grandmother, prompting his mother to report that he “has never been more excited.”

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 343 343
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 343 343
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 343 343
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 343 343
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 334 97.38%
Satisfied 09 2.62%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 343
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 61
C. Total 61

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients. 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 61

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 23 $19,302 $0 $19,302
Hearing 05 $1,410 $0 $1,410
Speech Communication 07 $20,073 $0 $20,073
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02 $450 $0 $450
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05 $3,894 $0 $3,894
Daily Living 14 $1,512 $0 $1,512
Environmental Adaptations 01 $25 $0 $25
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 13 $2,549 $0 $2,549
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 70 $49,215 $0 $49,215

D. Anecdote

The client is a resident of Providence Extended Care and has both hearing and vision impairments. Several devices were demonstrated to address each need and he reported that the personal listening device was more effective for him than his hearing aids. His room is configured similarly to a hospital room, with a fan mounted at the foot of the bed that interferes with the sound from his wall-mounted television. Through ATLA’s reuse program, he was issued a Serene TV Soundbox Speaker and a Comfort Duett Personal Listener. By placing the soundbox on the desk beside the bed and the personal listener next to the soundbox, the fan noise was effectively reduced, allowing him to hear his television clearly for the first time.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 04 02 48 54
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 06 06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 04 02 55 61
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 04 02 55 61
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 04 02 55 61
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 61 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 61
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 74
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 07
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 02
Total 83

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 45 05 50
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 07 02 09
Representative of Education 02 00 02
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 15 01 16
Representatives of Community Living 04 01 05
Representatives of Technology 01 00 01
Total 74 09 83

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 20 03 23
Hearing 08 01 09
Speech Communication 89 11 100
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05 00 05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04 00 04
Daily Living 12 02 14
Environmental Adaptations 01 00 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 36 05 41
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 32 04 36
Total 207 26 233

E. Anecdote

Providence Extended Care referred Joseph to ATLA. Joseph is blind and has progressive paralysis below the shoulders, with limited movement in his hands and neck that may further decline over time. He expressed a strong interest in hands-free access to technology to increase independence, particularly for making phone calls and engaging in daily activities. Joseph uses an Android phone but requires assistance to place calls to family and friends. At the initial in-person appointment, the AT Specialist recommended a smart speaker system to enable voice-activated calling, music playback, control of a bedside lamp, and potential TV operation. However, Joseph’s occupational therapist (OT) advised that smart speaker devices were not permitted at the facility due to privacy concerns. Joseph later trialed a loaned tablet with a head mouse and voice activation. Unfortunately, the system proved too complex and was not a viable solution. In July, the OT used information provided by the AT Specialist regarding the benefits of smart speaker technology to support a policy review at the facility. In December, Providence Extended Care approved the use of smart speaker devices, with the requirement that devices include a mute or power-off option during private or medical discussions. The AT Specialist then assisted with the setup of a smart speaker provided through the TechAbility program.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 03 06 65 74
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 03 06 65 74
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 03 06 65 74
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 03 06 65 74
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 08 09
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 01 00 08 09
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 00 08 09
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 00 08 09
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 83 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 83
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 153
Hearing 79
Speech Communication 52
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 84
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 14
Daily Living 255
Environmental Adaptations 16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 83
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 16
Total # of Device Demonstrations 752

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 464 00 464
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 119 105 224
Representatives of Education 44 00 44
Representatives of Employment 08 03 11
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 92 43 135
Representative of Community Living 15 07 22
Representative of Technology 10 01 11
Total 752 159 911

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 03
Service Provider 12
Vendor 20
Repair Service 00
Others 06
Total 41

D. Anecdote

Sue has been an ATLA client for approximately four years. She has a traumatic brain injury that affects her ability to receive and process information and limits the use of her dominant hand. When overwhelmed or rushed, she becomes emotional and has difficulty making decisions. During the demonstration, ATLA staff successfully reviewed the equipment in a one-on-one setting that allowed extended time and individualized support. Sue was able to take breaks as needed and ask questions at a pace that supported her understanding. Following the demonstration, she was provided with clear, structured explanations of the assistive technology to reinforce comprehension. Sue later emailed to thank ATLA for their understanding and for accommodating her preferred process for engagement.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 42 47 625 714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 15 02 21 38
Subtotal 57 49 646 752
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 57 49 646 752
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 57 49 646 752
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 874 95.94%
Satisfied 37 4.06%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 911
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 04 02 391 397
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 14 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 05 02 406 413
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 05 02 406 413
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 05 02 406 413
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.75% 99.76%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 45 53 690 788
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 15 02 21 38
Subtotal 60 55 711 826
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 60 55 711 826
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 60 55 711 826
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 100% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Educational/Training Activities

A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 95
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 25
Representatives of Education 73
Representatives of Employment 115
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 169
Representatives of Community Living 53
Representatives of Technology 12
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 542

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
428 114 00 542

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 322
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 57
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 35
Transition 128
Total 542

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:

Funded by competitive U.S. Department of Education grants, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) helps Alaska Natives and American Indians with disabilities get jobs and learn skills needed to work. The program can help college and vocational students, spark small business development, and create supported employment. ATLA was invited to speak at their annual meeting where TVR managers from across the state come together for professional development. Representatives provided in-depth case studies on individuals referred by TVR, the referral and assessment process, equipment procurement, and training services.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

The Alaska Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a free transition program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24. The YLF brings together young people with disabilities from across Alaska to build leadership skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future. ATLA was invited to speak at their 2025 Youth Leadership Forum gathering. Representatives provided in-depth information on strategies, tools, and software for transitioning and learning. After the presentation section of the training, participants received hands-on exploration of many of the tools discussed in the presentation. Many were excited about the opportunities that assistive technology can provide for them.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

Alaska LEND Without Walls (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) provides leadership training for graduate students, practicing professionals, individuals with disabilities, and family members to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have (or are at risk for developing) autism and other developmental disabilities. LEND leaders requested training for their fellows on the foundations of accessibility. During the training, representatives discussed the foundations of accessibility and why digital accessibility should be considered in all digital decisions.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 35
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 35
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 100%
Community Living 00%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 00%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

ATLA partnered with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AKMHT) to fund and implement the AACcess to Communication project, which expanded the availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for demonstration and short-term loan. The initiative supported therapists, educators, and other professionals in conducting evidence-based AAC evaluations. ATLA distributed a survey to key stakeholders to assess AAC knowledge and identify equipment needs, and AKMHT funding was used to purchase high-priority devices identified through this process. Throughout the grant cycle, staff collaborated with speech-language pathologists statewide to ensure strategic implementation and reduce barriers to appropriate AAC access. A key outcome of the project was strong participant feedback expressing appreciation for inclusion in decision-making and for consistent communication throughout equipment selection and program development.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. On June 4, ATLA marked the inaugural World Assistive Technology Day by hosting a Virtual AT Expo and an in-person Open House. The virtual expo focused on emerging assistive technologies that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Three sessions highlighted how assistive technology is shaping key areas of daily life: employment, community living, and education. Across the virtual sessions and in-person open house, 133 individuals attended. A post-event survey yielded 17 responses, with 88% of respondents reporting high satisfaction with the information provided and 100% indicating increased knowledge and skills. Attendees gave the following testimonies: “The presentations were very helpful in getting an overview of what is available. It was a lot of information. It's so great to have the PowerPoints to refer back to and get the resources when needed.” “As usual, great info and presentation. Really love the demo videos to get a real-world feel for what things do.” “I thought the webinar was great. I enjoyed learning about all the new assistive technology.”

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 12,333 2,606 14,939
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 336 1,301 1,637
Representative of Education 6,169 2,496 8,665
Representative of Employment 1,626 618 2,244
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 2,277 1,447 3,724
Representative of Community Living 2,566 803 3,369
Representative of Technology 786 470 1,256
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 26,093 9,741 35,834

Referral Types:

ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to further build these relationships. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on their program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.

Referral Sources:

ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to build these relationships further. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on its program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
No
Outreach was provided to the State Education Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.
Yes
Yes
ATLA partnered with the Division on Vocational Rehabilitation to provide four trainings throughout the year to all VR staff during quarterly meetings on the assessment, procurement, and training of assistive technology. Each training was focused on checkpoints in the VR process that prompt counselors to consider and integrate AT to improve client outcomes.
Through the multiple training opportunities, appropriate fee-for-service client referrals from VR have increased 152% in comparison to prior years.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Veterans, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
ATLA continued to strengthen its partnership with the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) to increase awareness of assistive technology in rural communities. ATLA provided an ACoA representative with low- to mid-tech vision and hearing devices, along with ATLA flyers and referral forms. During rural site visits, the representative shared information about assistive technology, demonstrated devices as appropriate, and submitted referrals to ATLA describing the devices trialed and identified barriers to independence. All equipment provided to ACoA is on long-term loan.
The ACoA representative travels statewide and has the capacity to reach rural communities accessible only by air. This partnership increased awareness of assistive technology and improved access to solutions, resulting in 25 consumer referrals and 64 assistive technology explorations. The collaboration also established a trusted relationship with an ACoA representative who understands ATLA’s mission and actively advocates for rural Alaskan communities. The initiative will continue as long as a reliable representative is available to support this work.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Demo, State Financing,
Yes
No
Outreach was provided to the Medicaid Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
State Appropriations$160,920State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$95,420DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$59,132Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Private$99,937State FinancingTrue
Amount: $415,409

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).